This document covers '''installing and using X-chat''', a popular IRC client. You may also be interested in a video by [[KushalDas | Kushal Das]]: [http://kushal.fedorapeople.org/xchat1.ogg Using Xchat]

This document covers '''installing and using X-chat''', a popular IRC client. You may also be interested in a video by [[KushalDas | Kushal Das]]: [http://kushal.fedorapeople.org/xchat1.ogg Using Xchat]

What is the difference between NickServ Password and Server Password in X-Chat

Technically speaking, they aren't the same. X-Chat has knowledge of the
NickServ system, and will automatically send a message to NickServ when
prompted to save you the hassle. Server passwords are a more embedded part
of IRC and are passed during the early connection phase, before you are fully
operational on the network and before you join channels. NickServ, part of
freenode services, was added to their IRC system to enable user management
that is not part of the original IRC protocol. Other networks may also use
NickServ, but it usually works a little differently. It has proven very
flexible and valuable. Server passwords were initially used as part of an
authentication system at connect time for IRC servers, but are now used by
freenode to create a shortcut for NickServ services. Other IRC networks
often work things a little differently, but similar practices have become
widespread because they do work quite well.

freenode services, as are permitted by Hyperion IRCD and powered by a custom
backend, allow a number of features to be added and used that are not part of
the IRC protocol. NickServ is used to interface with user account features.
ChanServ is used to interface with channel management features. Other
services are handled transparently using more typical IRC components. These
kinds of techniques are how IRC has evolved over the original RFC 1459
standard to survive in a useful fashion for the last 13 years.